EU governments are allowed to provide subsidies (known as state aid), for their own fishing industry, provided it does not distort competition between EU countries. The rules on state aid are strictly enforced.

The European Commission regularly publishes calls for tenders, proposals and expressions of interest to buy in services and goods. For details on public contracts relating to maritime affairs and fisheries, see our pages on calls for tender and calls for proposals.

Earlier this morning, EU ministers reached an agreement on fishing opportunities for 2018 in the Atlantic, North Sea and Black Sea following negotiations at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 11 - 12 December.